Focus Question 1/16/08

Ethnography is the descriptive study of human societies done by trained anthropologists who have carefully learned techniques calling for objective and penetrating observation and interviewing empathic rapport, and accurate reporting, while following the ethical rules of the American Anthropological Association. Ethnography can help anyone who is interested in accurately recording the life ways of any society, including a group in their own society. For me, ethnography provides me with many additional mirrors. Those options will allow me to test out my perceptions and make more-informed choices. I wish all people in this world used other ways to view reality besides what their own culture had taught them. They should practice cultural relativism rather than ethnocentrism. People need to realize that other cultures do things that may be repulsive to the former, but to the latter it is the best way to do it. The culture is not repulsing; the individual is repulsed. Knowing that, will allow me to stay better informed and remain unbiased.

Ethnographers

Fletcher

Cushing